Remote battery cell specific gravity and electrolytic level monitor using floats and optical couplers

摘要

A system and sensor for remotely monitoring the state of the condition of the electrolyte within each of the battery cells of a power supply is disclosed. The system includes a sensor having a dual ball-float and track arrangement for shuttering a pair of light sources and so as to independently detect and differentiate predetermined low electrolyte specific gravity and a low level of the electrolyte. Two multiplexing units receive the sensor signals and display separate indications of each battery and the states detected. The detector uses a gravity responsive ball disposed within a track that shutters one light source at a predetermined low specific gravity and a second level responsible ball within a second track located above the gravity track and ball. The level ball has a specific gravity which is less than that of the specific gravity responsive ball and shutters the second light source at a predetermined low electrolyte level independently of changes in the specific gravity of the electrolyte.